Units from the San Antonio Fire Department are staged and ready to respond to a fire at the Wedgwood Apartments in the 6700 block of Blanco Road.

Units from the San Antonio Fire Department are staged and ready to respond to a fire at the Wedgwood Apartments in the 6700 block of Blanco Road.

Photo: John Gonzalez, San Antonio Express-News

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Units from the San Antonio Fire Department are staged and ready to respond to a fire at the Wedgwood Apartments in the 6700 block of Blanco Road.

Units from the San Antonio Fire Department are staged and ready to respond to a fire at the Wedgwood Apartments in the 6700 block of Blanco Road.

Photo: John Gonzalez, San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Fire Department responds to a fire at the Wedgwood Apartments in the 6700 block of Blanco Road.

San Antonio Fire Department responds to a fire at the Wedgwood Apartments in the 6700 block of Blanco Road.

Photo: John Gonzalez, San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Fire Department responds to a fire at the Wedgwood Apartments in the 6700 block of Blanco Road.

San Antonio Fire Department responds to a fire at the Wedgwood Apartments in the 6700 block of Blanco Road.

Photo: John Gonzalez, San Antonio Express-News

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Rose and Enrique Oliveras speak with Castle Hills officer Ron Singleton Dec. 28, 2014 about getting back into their Wedgwood Senior Living Apartment after a 3-alarm-fire but they were directed to Churchill High School were residents were evacuated to. The apartments on Blanco Road was closed off to people after the fire broke out early Sunday morning killing five people. The Oliveras' live on the third floor, where the fire is believed to have started, and said they were helping people to get out. Enrique Oliveras said he had to go down a fire ladder after helping get people to the ledge. Both said the building was full of smoke. less

Rose and Enrique Oliveras speak with Castle Hills officer Ron Singleton Dec. 28, 2014 about getting back into their Wedgwood Senior Living Apartment after a 3-alarm-fire but they were directed to Churchill High ... more

Photo: Cynthia Esparza, By Cynthia Esparza, For The Express-News

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The Wedgwood Senior Living Apartments on Blanco Road was closed off to people Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014 after a 3-alarm-fire broke out early Sunday morning killing five people. Some of the fire departments to respond to the fire included San Antonio, Balcones Heights and Castle Hills. The residents were evacuated to Churchill High School and some were looking for hotel rooms for the night.

The Wedgwood Senior Living Apartments on Blanco Road was closed off to people Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014 after a 3-alarm-fire broke out early Sunday morning killing five people. Some of the fire departments to

People are turned away from entering the gates of the Wedgwood Senior Living Apartments on Blanco Road Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014 after a 3-alarm-fire broke out early Sunday morning killing five people. The residents were evacuated to Churchill High School and some were looking for hotel rooms for the night.

People are turned away from entering the gates of the Wedgwood Senior Living Apartments on Blanco Road Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014 after a 3-alarm-fire broke out early Sunday morning killing five people. The

People stop to take photos of the Wedgwood Senior Living Apartments on Blanco Road Sunday, Dec. 28, 2013 after a 3-alarm-fire broke out early Sunday morning killing five people. The residents were evacuated to Churchill High School and some were looking for hotel rooms for the night. less

People stop to take photos of the Wedgwood Senior Living Apartments on Blanco Road Sunday, Dec. 28, 2013 after a 3-alarm-fire broke out early Sunday morning killing five people. The residents were evacuated to ... more

Photo: Cynthia Esparza, By Cynthia Esparza, For The Express-News

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Rose and Enrique Oliveras speak with Castle Hills officer Ron Singleton Dec. 28, 2014 about getting back into their Wedgwood Senior Living Apartment after a 3-alarm-fire but they were directed to Churchill High School were residents were evacuated to. The apartments on Blanco Road was closed off to people after the fire broke out early Sunday morning killing five people. The Oliveras' live on the third floor, where the fire is believed to have started, and said they were helping people to get out. Enrique Oliveras said he had to go down a fire ladder after helping get people to the ledge. Both said the building was full of smoke. less

Rose and Enrique Oliveras speak with Castle Hills officer Ron Singleton Dec. 28, 2014 about getting back into their Wedgwood Senior Living Apartment after a 3-alarm-fire but they were directed to Churchill High ... more

Photo: Cynthia Esparza, By Cynthia Esparza, For The Express-News

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Rose Oliveras speaks with Castle Hills officer Ron Singleton Dec. 28, 2014 about getting back into her Wedgwood Senior Living Apartment after a 3-alarm-fire but they were directed to Churchill High School were residents were evacuated to. The apartments on Blanco Road was closed off to people after the fire broke out early Sunday morning killing five people. The Oliveras and her husband, Enrique, live on the third floor, where the fire is believed to have started, and said they were helping people to get out. Enrique Oliveras said he had to go down a fire ladder after helping get people to the ledge. Both said the building was full of smoke. less

Rose Oliveras speaks with Castle Hills officer Ron Singleton Dec. 28, 2014 about getting back into her Wedgwood Senior Living Apartment after a 3-alarm-fire but they were directed to Churchill High School were ... more

Photo: Cynthia Esparza, By Cynthia Esparza, For The Express-News

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The Wedgwood Senior Living Apartments on Blanco Road was closed off to people Sunday, Dec. 28, 2013 after a 3-alarm-fire broke out early Sunday morning killing five people. The residents were evacuated to Churchill High School and some were looking for hotel rooms for the night. less

The Wedgwood Senior Living Apartments on Blanco Road was closed off to people Sunday, Dec. 28, 2013 after a 3-alarm-fire broke out early Sunday morning killing five people. The residents were evacuated to ... more

Photo: Cynthia Esparza, By Cynthia Esparza, For The Express-News

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The Wedgwood Senior Living Apartments on Blanco Road was closed off to people Sunday, Dec. 28, 2013 after a 3-alarm-fire broke out early Sunday morning killing five people. The residents were evacuated to Churchill High School and some were looking for hotel rooms for the night. less

The Wedgwood Senior Living Apartments on Blanco Road was closed off to people Sunday, Dec. 28, 2013 after a 3-alarm-fire broke out early Sunday morning killing five people. The residents were evacuated to ... more

Photo: Cynthia Esparza, By Cynthia Esparza, For The Express-News

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The Wedgwood Senior Living Apartments on Blanco Road was closed off to people Sunday, Dec. 28, 2013 after a 3-alarm-fire broke out early Sunday morning killing five people. The residents were evacuated to Churchill High School and some were looking for hotel rooms for the night. less

The Wedgwood Senior Living Apartments on Blanco Road was closed off to people Sunday, Dec. 28, 2013 after a 3-alarm-fire broke out early Sunday morning killing five people. The residents were evacuated to ... more

Photo: Cynthia Esparza, By Cynthia Esparza, For The Express-News

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The Wedgwood Senior Living Apartments on Blanco Road was closed off to people Sunday, Dec. 28, 2013 after a 3-alarm-fire broke out early Sunday morning killing five people. The residents were evacuated to Churchill High School and some were looking for hotel rooms for the night. less

The Wedgwood Senior Living Apartments on Blanco Road was closed off to people Sunday, Dec. 28, 2013 after a 3-alarm-fire broke out early Sunday morning killing five people. The residents were evacuated to ... more

Photo: Cynthia Esparza, By Cynthia Esparza, For The Express-News

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Firefighters and emergency units respond to a three-alarm fire at the Wedgwood Senior Apartments, 6701 Blanco Rd., on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014. The early morning fire, which started shortly after 6:00 a.m., claimed the lives of five people. Three others were taken to the hospital and approximately 75-100 residents were evacuated to Churchill High School. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net less

Firefighters and emergency units respond to a three-alarm fire at the Wedgwood Senior Apartments, 6701 Blanco Rd., on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014. The early morning fire, which started shortly after 6:00 a.m., ... more

Photo: Marvin Pfeiffer, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

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Firefighters and emergency units prepare to leave from a three-alarm fire at the Wedgwood Senior Apartments, 6701 Blanco Rd., on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014. The early morning fire, which started shortly after 6:00 a.m., claimed the lives of five people. Three others were taken to the hospital and approximately 75-100 residents were evacuated to Churchill High School. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net less

Firefighters and emergency units prepare to leave from a three-alarm fire at the Wedgwood Senior Apartments, 6701 Blanco Rd., on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014. The early morning fire, which started shortly after 6:00 ... more

Photo: Marvin Pfeiffer, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

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Firefighters and emergency units respond to a three-alarm fire at the Wedgwood Senior Apartments, 6701 Blanco Rd., on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014. The early morning fire, which started shortly after 6:00 a.m., claimed the lives of five people. Three others were taken to the hospital and approximately 75-100 residents were evacuated to Churchill High School. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net less

Firefighters and emergency units respond to a three-alarm fire at the Wedgwood Senior Apartments, 6701 Blanco Rd., on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014. The early morning fire, which started shortly after 6:00 a.m., ... more

Photo: Marvin Pfeiffer, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

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Alamo Heights firefighters rest after responding to a three-alarm fire at the Wedgwood Senior Apartments, 6701 Blanco Rd., on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014. The early morning fire, which started shortly after 6:00 a.m., claimed the lives of five people. Three others were taken to the hospital and approximately 75-100 residents were evacuated to Churchill High School. Firefighters from San Antonio, Castle Hills, Alamo Heights and Balcones Heights responded to the fire as did several emergency response units. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net less

Alamo Heights firefighters rest after responding to a three-alarm fire at the Wedgwood Senior Apartments, 6701 Blanco Rd., on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014. The early morning fire, which started shortly after 6:00 ... more

Photo: Marvin Pfeiffer, MARVIN PFEIFFER/ Mpfeiffer@express-news.net

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Residents of the Wedgwood Senior Apartments are transferred to other living arrangements after being evacuated to Churchill High School following a three-alarm fire at the apartments, located at 6701 Blanco Rd., on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014. The early morning fire, which started shortly after 6:00 a.m., claimed the lives of five people. Three others were taken to the hospital and approximately 75-100 residents were evacuated to Churchill. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net less

Residents of the Wedgwood Senior Apartments are transferred to other living arrangements after being evacuated to Churchill High School following a three-alarm fire at the apartments, located at 6701 Blanco ... more

Photo: Marvin Pfeiffer, MARVIN PFEIFFER/ Mpfeiffer@express-news.net

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Residents of Wedgwood Nursing Home wait at Winston Churchill High School after a fire at the home near Blanco rd and 410 forced them to evacuate early Sunday, December 28, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. Many of the residents waiting at the school were awaiting medication to be recovered from the building. less

Residents of Wedgwood Nursing Home wait at Winston Churchill High School after a fire at the home near Blanco rd and 410 forced them to evacuate early Sunday, December 28, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. Many of ... more

Photo: Matthew Busch, For The San Antonio Express-News / For The San Antonio Express-News

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Marilyn Cote, 84, center, a resident of Wedgwood Nursing Home, is walked by her daughter Maura Cote, 54, to a waiting bus at Winston Churchill High School after a fire at the home near Blanco rd and 410 forced residents to evacuate early Sunday, December 28, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. Residents were shuttled to nearby hotels were they will be staying for an indefinite amount of time. Marilyn was on the third floor where the fire started and remembers opening a window to scream for help after she noticed smoke billowing underneath her door. Firefighters responded quickly and were able to take her down the stairs, their only option because the building's elevators were not working. less

Marilyn Cote, 84, center, a resident of Wedgwood Nursing Home, is walked by her daughter Maura Cote, 54, to a waiting bus at Winston Churchill High School after a fire at the home near Blanco rd and 410 forced ... more

Photo: Matthew Busch, For The San Antonio Express-News / For The San Antonio Express-News

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Red Cross volunteer Adriana Casso hugs a resident of the Wedgwood Senior Apartments after the fire.

Red Cross volunteer Adriana Casso hugs a resident of the Wedgwood Senior Apartments after the fire.

Photo: Matthew Busch /For The San Antonio Express-News

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Castle Hills Mayor Pro-tem John Squire addresses the media after a fire at Wedgwood Nursing Home near Blanco rd and 410 forced the evacuation of residents early Sunday, December 28, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas.

Castle Hills Mayor Pro-tem John Squire addresses the media after a fire at Wedgwood Nursing Home near Blanco rd and 410 forced the evacuation of residents early Sunday, December 28, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas.

Photo: Matthew Busch, For The San Antonio Express-News / For The San Antonio Express-News

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Castle Hills City Manager Diane Pfei addresses the media after a fire at Wedgwood Nursing Home near Blanco rd and 410 forced the evacuation of residents early Sunday, December 28, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas.

Castle Hills City Manager Diane Pfei addresses the media after a fire at Wedgwood Nursing Home near Blanco rd and 410 forced the evacuation of residents early Sunday, December 28, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas.

Photo: Matthew Busch, For The San Antonio Express-News / For The San Antonio Express-News

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Margarita Cisneros, left and Vivian Casanova, right, both residents of Wedgwood Nursing Home walk outside in their pajamas after a fire at the home near Blanco rd and 410 forced the evacuation of residents early Sunday, December 28, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. Residents were taken to nearby Winston Churchill High School where they waited to be taken to nearby hotels. less

Margarita Cisneros, left and Vivian Casanova, right, both residents of Wedgwood Nursing Home walk outside in their pajamas after a fire at the home near Blanco rd and 410 forced the evacuation of residents ... more

Photo: Matthew Busch, For The San Antonio Express-News / For The San Antonio Express-News

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Wheelchairs are brought in to Winston Churchill High School by volunteers with San Antonio's Metropolitan Health District Emergency Response Team after a fire at Wedgwood Nursing Home near Blanco rd and 410 forced the evacuation of residents early Sunday, December 28, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. less

Wheelchairs are brought in to Winston Churchill High School by volunteers with San Antonio's Metropolitan Health District Emergency Response Team after a fire at Wedgwood Nursing Home near Blanco rd and 410 ... more

Photo: Matthew Busch, For The San Antonio Express-News / For The San Antonio Express-News

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Brett Williams, 67, walks back into Winston Churchill High School where she waits with her sister, Lucy Nerio, 62, (not pictured) a resident of Wedgwood Nursing Home, after a fire broke out on the third floor of the home and forced the evacuation of residents early Sunday, December 28, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. The sisters had to walk down ten flights of stairs to exit the building because the building's elevators were not working. less

Brett Williams, 67, walks back into Winston Churchill High School where she waits with her sister, Lucy Nerio, 62, (not pictured) a resident of Wedgwood Nursing Home, after a fire broke out on the third floor ... more

Photo: Matthew Busch, For The San Antonio Express-News / For The San Antonio Express-News

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Brett Williams, 67, right, hands a lighter to her sister, Lucy Nerio, 62, a resident of Wedgwood Nursing Home, after a fire broke out on the third floor of the home and forced the evacuation of residents early Sunday, December 28, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. The sisters had to walk down ten flights of stairs to exit the building because the building's elevators were not working. Residents were taken to nearby Winston Churchill High School where they waited to be taken to nearby hotels where they will stay for an indefinite amount of time. less

Brett Williams, 67, right, hands a lighter to her sister, Lucy Nerio, 62, a resident of Wedgwood Nursing Home, after a fire broke out on the third floor of the home and forced the evacuation of residents early ... more

Photo: Matthew Busch, For The San Antonio Express-News / For The San Antonio Express-News

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Residents of the Wedgwood Senior Apartments are helped to a waiting bus after the fire.

Residents of the Wedgwood Senior Apartments are helped to a waiting bus after the fire.

Photo: Matthew Busch /For The San Antonio Express-News

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Marilyn Cote, 84, a resident of Wedgwood Nursing Home, rests her hands on an American Red Cross blanket as she and other residents waited on a bus at Winston Churchill High School after a fire at the home near Blanco rd and 410 forced residents to evacuate early Sunday, December 28, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. Residents were shuttled to nearby hotels were they will be staying for an indefinite amount of time. Marilyn was on the third floor where the fire started and remembers opening a window to scream for help after she noticed smoke billowing underneath her door. Firefighters responded quickly and were able to take her down the stairs, their only option because the building's elevators were not working. less

Marilyn Cote, 84, a resident of Wedgwood Nursing Home, rests her hands on an American Red Cross blanket as she and other residents waited on a bus at Winston Churchill High School after a fire at the home near ... more

Photo: Matthew Busch, For The San Antonio Express-News / For The San Antonio Express-News

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Barbara McConnell, 92, a resident of Wedgwood Nursing Home waits on the bus at Winston Churchill High School after a fire at the home near Blanco rd and 410 forced them to evacuate early Sunday, December 28, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. Residents such as McConnell were shuttled to nearby hotels were they will be staying for an indefinite amount of time. McConnell said that her daughter was coming in from Austin to help her get settled this evening. less

Barbara McConnell, 92, a resident of Wedgwood Nursing Home waits on the bus at Winston Churchill High School after a fire at the home near Blanco rd and 410 forced them to evacuate early Sunday, December 28, ... more

Photo: Matthew Busch, For The San Antonio Express-News / For The San Antonio Express-News

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Residents of Wedgwood Nursing Home are helped to a waiting bus after a fire at Wedgwood Nursing Home near Blanco rd and 410 forced the evacuation of residents early Sunday, December 28, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. Residents were taken to nearby hotels and will remain there for an indefinite amount of time. less

Residents of Wedgwood Nursing Home are helped to a waiting bus after a fire at Wedgwood Nursing Home near Blanco rd and 410 forced the evacuation of residents early Sunday, December 28, 2014 in San Antonio, ... more

Photo: Matthew Busch, For The San Antonio Express-News / For The San Antonio Express-News

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Wedgwood Nursing Home resident Charlene Lowry sits in the lobby of the Courtyard hotel holding her medication from the home, and clothes provided by the American Red Cross, after a fire at Wedgwood Nursing Home near Blanco rd and 410 forced the evacuation of residents early Sunday, December 28, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. Lowry was among the residents who were taken to nearby hotels to spend the night. It is still unclear whether or not they will be able to return to the nursing home. Five people died in the fire. Lowry said that she was provided with everything she needed by the volunteers, police and firefighters helping residents. less

Wedgwood Nursing Home resident Charlene Lowry sits in the lobby of the Courtyard hotel holding her medication from the home, and clothes provided by the American Red Cross, after a fire at Wedgwood Nursing Home ... more

Photo: Matthew Busch, For The San Antonio Express-News

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In the lobby of the Courtyard Hotel Castle Hills Corporal R. Mu–oz, left, and American Red Cross volunteer Karen Maurer, right, help to find medication for Tony Duran, 64, second right, a resident of Wedgwood Nursing Home, after a fire at the home near Blanco rd and 410 forced the evacuation of residents early Sunday, December 28, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. The residents were taken to nearby hotels to spend the night. Firefighters had to search each room of the nursing home for residents' medication. less

In the lobby of the Courtyard Hotel Castle Hills Corporal R. Mu–oz, left, and American Red Cross volunteer Karen Maurer, right, help to find medication for Tony Duran, 64, second right, a resident of Wedgwood ... more

Photo: Matthew Busch, For The San Antonio Express-News

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Wedgwood Nursing Home resident Charlene Lowry takes the elevator up to her room in the Courtyard hotel holding her medication from Wedgwood, and clothes provided by the American Red Cross, after a fire at Wedgwood Nursing Home near Blanco rd and 410 forced the evacuation of residents early Sunday, December 28, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. Lowry was among the residents who were taken to nearby hotels to spend the night. It is still unclear whether or not they will be able to return to the nursing home. Five people died in the fire. Lowry said that she was provided with everything she needed by the volunteers, police and firefighters helping residents. less

Wedgwood Nursing Home resident Charlene Lowry takes the elevator up to her room in the Courtyard hotel holding her medication from Wedgwood, and clothes provided by the American Red Cross, after a fire at ... more

Photo: Matthew Busch, For The San Antonio Express-News

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Castle Hills Police Chief Wayne Davis listens as Castle Hills Mayor pro-tem John Squire addresses the media after a fire at Wedgwood Nursing Home near Blanco rd and 410 forced the evacuation of residents early Sunday, December 28, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. less

Castle Hills Police Chief Wayne Davis listens as Castle Hills Mayor pro-tem John Squire addresses the media after a fire at Wedgwood Nursing Home near Blanco rd and 410 forced the evacuation of residents early ... more

Photo: Matthew Busch, By Matthew Busch, For The Express-News

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Brett Williams, 67, was staying with her sister, Lucy Nerio (not pictured) on the tenth floor of the Wedgwood Nursing Home when a fire broke out on the third floor of the building and forced the evacuation of residents early Sunday, December 28, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. The sisters had to walk down ten flights of stairs to exit the building because the building's elevators were not working. less

Brett Williams, 67, was staying with her sister, Lucy Nerio (not pictured) on the tenth floor of the Wedgwood Nursing Home when a fire broke out on the third floor of the building and forced the evacuation of ... more

Photo: Matthew Busch, By Matthew Busch, For The Express-News

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Barbara McConnell, 92, a resident of Wedgwood Nursing Home waits on the bus at Winston Churchill High School after a fire at the home near Blanco rd and 410 forced them to evacuate early Sunday, December 28, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. Residents such as McConnell were shuttled to nearby hotels were they will be staying for an indefinite amount of time. McConnell said that her daughter was coming in from Austin to help her get settled this evening. less

Barbara McConnell, 92, a resident of Wedgwood Nursing Home waits on the bus at Winston Churchill High School after a fire at the home near Blanco rd and 410 forced them to evacuate early Sunday, December 28, ... more

Photo: Matthew Busch, By Matthew Busch, For The Express-News

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A resident of Wedgwood Nursing Home waits on the bus at Winston Churchill High School after a fire at the home near Blanco rd and 410 forced them to evacuate early Sunday, December 28, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. Residents were shuttled to nearby hotels were they will be staying for an indefinite amount of time. less

A resident of Wedgwood Nursing Home waits on the bus at Winston Churchill High School after a fire at the home near Blanco rd and 410 forced them to evacuate early Sunday, December 28, 2014 in San Antonio, ... more

Photo: Matthew Busch, By Matthew Busch, For The Express-News

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A resident of Wedgwood Nursing Home waits on the bus at Winston Churchill High School after a fire at the home near Blanco rd and 410 forced them to evacuate early Sunday, December 28, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. Residents were shuttled to nearby hotels were they will be staying for an indefinite amount of time. less

A resident of Wedgwood Nursing Home waits on the bus at Winston Churchill High School after a fire at the home near Blanco rd and 410 forced them to evacuate early Sunday, December 28, 2014 in San Antonio, ... more

Photo: Matthew Busch, By Matthew Busch, For The Express-News

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A Castle Hills police officer guards the entrance as the investigation into the deadly fire at the Wedgwood Senior Living apartments begins. The investigation is being led by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. less

A Castle Hills police officer guards the entrance as the investigation into the deadly fire at the Wedgwood Senior Living apartments begins. The investigation is being led by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, ... more

Photo: Jerry Lara /San Antonio Express-News

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As Tony Escamilla, 86, picks up his medications at Castle Hills City Hall, Luis Zamarron, a code compliance officer, keeps track of which Wedgwood residents still need theirs.

As Tony Escamilla, 86, picks up his medications at Castle Hills City Hall, Luis Zamarron, a code compliance officer, keeps track of which Wedgwood residents still need theirs.

Photo: Photos By Jerry Lara /San Antonio Express-News

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Residents arrive to try to find out information about their apartments as investigators begin their work.

Residents arrive to try to find out information about their apartments as investigators begin their work.

Photo: JERRY LARA, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

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Monique Lorenzana, right, picks up his medication for her mother, Cecilia Escobar, at Castle Hills City Hall, Monday, Dec. 29, 2014. A Sunday morning fire at the Wedgwood Senior Living apartments in the 6700 block of Blanco Road killed five residents and forced the evacuation of the entire complex. An investigation is ongoing. Helping Escamilla is Code Compliance officer Luis Zamarron. less

Monique Lorenzana, right, picks up his medication for her mother, Cecilia Escobar, at Castle Hills City Hall, Monday, Dec. 29, 2014. A Sunday morning fire at the Wedgwood Senior Living apartments in the 6700 ... more

Photo: JERRY LARA, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

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Karen Rae Betz, 74, died in Sunday morning's fire at a senior living high-rise in Castle Hills.

Karen Rae Betz, 74, died in Sunday morning's fire at a senior living high-rise in Castle Hills.

Photo: Courtesy

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Patricia Mangum, 83, a resident who lives on the eighth floor of the Wedgwood Senior Living Apartments recalls what happened the morning that a 3-alarm-fire broke out and killed five people, including the individual who lived in the apartment directly below Mangum's. Mangum and her 15-year-old grandson, who was spent the night with her, made it out of the apartments three hours after the fire started with help from firefighters. less

Patricia Mangum, 83, a resident who lives on the eighth floor of the Wedgwood Senior Living Apartments recalls what happened the morning that a 3-alarm-fire broke out and killed five people, including the ... more

Photo: Cynthia Esparza, For The San Antonio Express-News

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Historic status sought for San Antonio apartments where 5 elderly people died

Gregory Smith, national register coordinator with the Texas Historical Commission, said the owner hopes to secure historic tax credits to pay for repairs to the structure at 6701 Blanco Road in Castle Hills.

Video: Wedgwood fire

According to a nomination prepared by researchers Maria Watson Pfeiffer and Ann Benson McGlone, the building closed after a Dec. 28, 2014, which killed five elderly residents, injured 20 others and caused the evacuation of about 250 people. The structure remains vacant.

“To actually put it back in common use — that’s the ultimate goal,” Smith said. “If a building is being used, it’s much less likely to be demolished.”

Read more about the Wedgwood and its history at ExpressNews.com or in Monday’s San Antonio Express-News.